ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Schools Around Australia Begin Mobile Phone Ban For Students Next Month

Schools Around Australia Begin Mobile Phone Ban For Students Next Month

Loads of students won't be able to use their devices from the moment they step onto campus.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

After being trialed in several schools around Australia, all students in Victoria and Western Australia will have to submit to new rules about using their phones on campus.

Public school students across those two states will have to ensure their phones are nowhere to be seen when they step onto school grounds in the morning.

It's hoped the move will reduce distractions, prevent cyber bullying and anti-social behaviour.

PA

In Victoria, students will have to have their phones stored in their lockers for the whole day. If parents need to contact their child then they can do so by calling the school, who will get the student on the phone.

Those in Western Australian high schools will just have to make sure that the device isn't seen by a teacher and is on airplane mode. Primary school students will not be allowed mobile phones under any circumstances, unless medical grounds are provided.

That is a similar law being rolled out to students in New South Wales.

Kids in Tasmania won't be allowed to have mobile devices on their person from Term Two. Teens in Year 11 and 12 will be exempt from the rule change as long as they've been granted permission from the school.

PA

West Australian Premier Mark McGowan said: "We want to create the best possible learning environment for WA kids, and our policy will allow students to focus on their school work, without the distraction of a mobile phone.

"My government is responding to concerns from parents and teachers about the pressures and demands that carrying a mobile phone brings to young people.

"Additionally, while it is recognised that cyber bullying mainly occurs outside school time, banning the use of mobile phones will reduce external issues being brought into a school via technology."

But it's not just phones that are banned; smart watches, earbuds, tablets and headphones unless students are all on the chopping block unless under the instruction of a staff member.

PA

The only exception when it comes to smartwatches is when a student has a medical condition that requires them to wear one.

Education minister Sue Ellery said: "Schools I have visited where phones are banned, have reported that a tough stance has been a game-changer for students and staff.

"Students are talking to each other face-to-face rather than texting and they're not distracted from their work during class - overall those schools are much happier and connected places.

"I want that for all schools."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, Technology, Australia